The Fashion Icon Antony Price, Renowned for Designing for David Bowie and Duran Duran, Passes Away at Age 80.
The British designer Antony Price, the visionary UK-based designer behind a series of unforgettable images favored by David Bowie, Roxy Music, and Queen Camilla, has sadly died aged 80.
His reputation was built on his sculptured silhouettes and dramatic aesthetics, most notably the pastel suits that became famous from the pop-rock group Duran Duran's classic music video for "the song Rio".
"In a tribute, they called him a 'visionary' and a 'kind, intelligent and razor-witted friend,' the band released a statement on social media."
Price's death comes shortly after he debuted his latest collection in London, which was his first major show in over 30 years. Singer Lily Allen modelled a dress inspired by the notorious black velvet "so-called 'revenge dress'" once worn by Princess Diana.
A Pioneering Career
A native of Yorkshire, born in 1945, Price moved to London in the early 1960s to study at the prestigious Royal College of Art.
Upon completing his studies, he commenced his career designing men's fashion at Stirling Copper and was responsible for the form-fitting, button-fly pants that Sir Mick Jagger wore during The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" tour in 1969.
He established his eponymous line in 1979 and presented his inaugural collection a year later. The show opened with creations worn by model Jerry Hall, who later wore the bridal gown Price specifically designed for her wedding to Sir Mick Jagger.
Working with Legends
A long-time collaborator of David Bowie, Price created the distinctive jacket the singer wore for his "As The World Falls Down" music video in 1986.
His signature ability to blend tailoring for all genders along with his technical proficiency in designing body-hugging looks established him as a "true original," as stated by the British Fashion Council.
By the 1990s, he started creating ensembles for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, which included several ensembles for her American tour after assuming the title.
After a career spanning over fifty years, Price staged what would be his last show in London just last month in conjunction with the fashion brand 16Arlington.
- Defined Shapes: Central to his design philosophy.
- Dramatic Impact: Influencing music videos and stagewear.
- Boundary-Pushing Tailoring: Creating a unique, androgynous style.
- Clients from Stage to Palace: Including music legends and the future Queen Consort.
The industry mourns the loss to a true visionary whose legacy on the visual landscape of music remains indelibly etched.